Balu Balakrishnan on GaN technology
From PCIM Europe 2024: A Conversation with Balu Balakrishnan, CEO of Power Integrations · · Power Electronics News
“We were the first ones to ship GaN in high volume and it was accidentally found out by a research firm; they were somewhat embarrassed because they are following every GaN company in the world but we are the only ones who are shipping and they didn't even know we had GaN.”
On , Balu Balakrishnan, President, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman at POWER INTEGRATIONS INC, spoke about GaN technology during PCIM Europe 2024: A Conversation with Balu Balakrishnan, CEO of Power Integrations on Power Electronics News.
About Balu Balakrishnan
Balu Balakrishnan, President, CEO, and Chairman of Power Integrations, has been discussing the company's advancements in gallium nitride (GaN) technology and its role in energy efficiency. At PCIM Europe 2024, he highlighted the introduction of the InnoMux 2 product, which he described as the first to generate multiple outputs with a single magnetic element, eliminating DC-DC converters and increasing efficiency by 10%. He also stated that Power Integrations is the only company commercially offering 1250-volt GaN, and that the company's cascade structure for GaN is more reliable than enhancement-mode alternatives, particularly for data centers and automotive applications. Balakrishnan noted that 70% of carbon reduction will come from energy efficiency and renewables, and that Power Integrations aims to capture a share of the anticipated $1 trillion in carbon reduction spending over the next 20 years. In other appearances, Balakrishnan emphasized the company's strategy of developing proprietary technologies, controlling manufacturing processes at partner foundries, and focusing on breakthrough products. He discussed the quality and reliability of PowiGaN devices, stating that the company runs extensive tests and aims for zero defective parts. He also promoted the InnoSwitch3-TN flyback switcher IC for smart appliances, citing its flat efficiency from full load to light loads and its ability to deliver up to 15 watts without a heatsink. Balakrishnan expressed confidence that GaN will rapidly replace silicon in power switches, and that Power Integrations' integrated solutions make GaN easy to use for customers.